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Vivid color in the ‘aquarium of Rangiroa, French Polynesia
A local villager, preserving ancient traditions, plays music on a flute in Owa Raha, Soloman Islands
The intense color of the coral is trimmed over the blue of the sea, Munda, Solomon Islands
Clear water on a lava beach in tropical Tanna, Vanuatu
Guests kayaking a blue hole, in Espiritu Santa Island, Vanuatu
Vivid color in the ‘aquarium of Rangiroa, French Polynesia
ExpeditionsRoots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand and Melanesia

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Following in the wake of Captain Cook, journey from New Zealand’s North Island to the Solomon Sea. Delve into a fascinating history of explorers, convicts, and traders, and learn about the rich cultures of the Māori and the Melanesians. Examine traditional carved houses and ancient caves and meet villagers on some of the most remote islands of the South Pacific. Along the way, don your snorkel and fins to discover incredible coral reefs and lagoons.

Highlights

A typical maori puppet head with moko at the end of a war canoe in Waitangi, New Zealand.
  • Encounter an impressive diversity of cultures from the Māori of the Bay of Islands to the spear dancers of the Solomons, and delve into their artistic and spiritual traditions

  • Venture to the former penal colony of Norfolk Island, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting the unusual trees called Norfolk Island pines

  • Visit the island nation of New Caledonia, made up of immaculate beaches and steep coral cliffs, and hike into the tropical forest to a vanilla plantation or enjoy world-class snorkeling among diverse coral species

  • Visit World War II sites from the Battle of Guadalcanal, including an optional dive on the wreck of the S.S. President Coolidge

  • See the traditional canoes of the people of Utupua and take a Zodiac ride along their mangrove-studded lagoon

From

$12,994

/ per person

Does not include any flights

Book Now
duration
15 Days

View our brochures for more details

Australia & New Zealand 2024

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Talk to an Expedition Specialist1.800.397.3348

From

$12,994

/ per person

Book Now
duration
15 Days

View our brochures for more details

Australia & New Zealand 2024

See More Brochures

From

$12,994

/ per person

Book Now
duration
15 Days

View our brochures for more details

Australia & New Zealand 2024

See More Brochures

Video

South Pacific Islands - Beauty & History

  • Sep 2023

Hiding among the azure lagoons, white-sand beaches, and tropical forests of places like the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu, the scars of World War II are still very much present. As we call in on these remote sites on our Rites and Relics voyage, we’ll be joined by Ian W. Toll, author of a highly regarded, three-volume history of the Pacific War, who will help resurrect these stories from the past. “When I visit these places, I really do feel as if I’m seeing the history of that war through the eyes of those who were there and that makes it a much richer and more personal experience.”

Dates & Rates

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With the sun setting and casting a spectrum of warm hues across the sky, the ship National Geographic Orion sits anchored in the calm waters of the Java Sea.

National Geographic Orion

Guests

102

Cabins

53

An authentic expedition ship, purpose-built for exploring the South Pacific, Asia, and the Mediterranean

Featuring 53 cabins, the gracious and intimate National Geographic Orion takes travelers to little-known waters and isles in New Zealand, Australia, French Polynesia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and the Mediterranean to experience each location's natural and cultural wonders up close. With her high ice-class rating, National Geographic Orion is strong enough to explore the polar regions, yet her elevated maneuverability allows for navigation practically anywhere accessible by sea.

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Expedition Team

Over 50+ years of exploring, Lindblad Expeditions’ veteran staff and the quality companionship they provide has established the company’s reputation. From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff.

Captain Andrew Cook with guests and Staff on the Bridge of National Geographic Venture, Baja California, Mexico

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Australia & New Zealand 2024

South Pacific & French Polynesia 2023-25